The International Cricket Thread

[Risso]

That should have been 340+ all day long. Reckon the Kiwis will knock that off with ease.

[paul_e]

The partnership from Plunkett and Rashid was massive in the context of the game, to work so hard in the 30-45 overs and still end up chasing over 300 is pretty demoralising. I think this could be really interesting.

Also interesting is that Neesham was so good, he bowled in a similar way to Plunkett so if Archer and Woakes can start well and create a bit of pressure by not giving anything away I suspect Plunkett will be able to take wickets.

The Woakes wicket was also really interesting one because he didn't do much wrong but ended up early on the shot because the ball held up. Archer and Woakes both bowl a lot of slower deliveries at the death so NZ will need to stay on top of the rate, if they need 80 or more from the last 10 I think they'll struggle.

From our point of view getting Williamson will be key, other than him they don't have anyone in particularly good form.

Woakes getting an early wicket there is massive.

[PaulWinch again]

Great start 14-2.

[Jon Crofts]

Run rate seriously low here, are their tactics just to take a beating by not too huge a margin rather than go for it and fall way short? Pakistan would need a huge swing their way to pop NZ. 

[paul_e]

I don't think it's on them, as I said, we would've gone into the dressing room and spoken about sneaking an early wicket or 2 and keeping their rate down, the earlier they feel they have to take risks the better, Plunkett and Rashid get more wickets when people are trying to take them on.

[paul_e]

That's brilliant by Wood, no way he intended to direct it to the stumps but just getting a hand to it was exceptional and gave us a chance. Massive to get Williamson so cheaply.

[Jon Crofts]

Blimey. NZ having a torrid time.

[paul_e]

Shocking decision making from someone as experienced as Taylor. England totally on top here now, not a good start from Rashid though, hasn't been accurate enough so far.

[Risso]

That should have been 340+ all day long. Reckon the Kiwis will knock that off with ease.

What utter bollocks.

[tomd2103]

Michael Slater does know that Australia aren't playing today doesn't he?  It's just that he keeps bringing Australia up in totally unrelated conversations.

[PaulWinch again]

Well we’re coasting this now. Great stuff.

[PaulWinch again]

I will say though net run-rate is daft, this is tedious in terms of the spectacle.

[Risso]

We’ve been very good in the last two games in keeping the run rate right down to be fair. Intelligent bowling.

[London Villan]

What’s the chances of picking up a ticket from a tout at edgbaston for the semi-final?

[Monty]

Well it says choppy at times and that collapse mid-innings was really poor, but they've had to get it done in the last two matches and they responded. Woakes and Bairstow (with help from Plunkett) have rescued this situation.